CAIRE Freestyle Comfort Portable Oxygen Concentrator Review

In this CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort Review, you will get to know what this product has to offer. From its amazing features to its portability, it is everything you will ever need.

Be sure to read to the end because we listed some additional information that might be helpful if you are planning to purchase the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort or any other portable oxygen concentrator.

Bottom Line Up Front

CAIRE Inc. is one of the leading manufacturers in the oxygen supply industry, with their equipment being distributed both for home and hospital use globally. One of their amazing products is the FreeStyle Comfort, a portable oxygen concentrator.

The CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator is lightweight, only weighing 5 lbs. Unlike other POCs, you can quickly bring this one anywhere you go, be it on road trips, vacations, international travels, and more. You wouldn't even feel a burden because it comes with a carrying case that is not only functional but stylish too.

Another advantage of this device is it constantly delivers oxygen, and there is no need for weekly refilling. It is also elderly-friendly because it boasts a full-color LED digital display that is easy to read no matter the lighting.

What You'll Like

Here's a list of the advantages of the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort that you wouldn't want to miss out on:

• ACHC accredited
• Lightweight
• Low noise level
• Longer battery life on a single battery
• Low maintenance

What You Won't

No portable oxygen concentrator will be perfect for everyone, and even the FreeStyle Comfort may have flaws. Here are some things that you probably won't like about it:

• Features only one flow setting
• Longer battery charge time

That's not all for the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort — you will have to read the rest of the article to know more about them.

What is CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort?

The CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort is known for its unique features and long-lasting battery life. It is one of the most known portable oxygen concentrators from CAIRE, and it's safe to say that it will stay in the spotlight in the coming years. 

Its ergonomic design makes it easy to carry around, especially with an addition of an adjustable shoulder strap. The device features soft-touch buttons for effortless access.

Although it only has one flow setting, it can provide a maximum oxygen delivery of up to 1050 ml per minute. It also has an UltraSense technology that adapts the oxygen output to the user's breathing pattern.

The FreeStyle Comfort has five pulse settings that can cater to your daily oxygen therapy requirement. Additionally, it can last up to 8 hours of continuous usage with an 8-cell battery at the lowest pulse flow setting. With a 16-cell battery, you can achieve a battery life of 16 hours on the lowest setting.

How Does CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort Portable Concentrator Work?

The CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort works like any other portable oxygen concentrator. It utilizes the air around it and turns that into pure oxygen with the help of its sieve beds. The sieve beds remove useless gasses in the air so that the device can provide you with up to 90% concentrated oxygen.

As a device that offers a pulse dose setting, it detects the user's breathing pattern and bases the oxygen output on that. Unlike in the continuous flow setting, no oxygen is wasted because you only get what you need. However, this might not be for everyone, especially those with sleep apnea and others requiring a higher oxygen output on their oxygen therapy. 

CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort Portable Concentrator Features

Regarding its features, there is more in the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort than meets the eye. Look into the following detailed information to find out more:

Design

CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort's slim and curved design is not only made specifically for the eyes to see but to maximize its functionality and durability. It is designed to hug your body for a more comfortable fit, especially if paired with a carrying bag. You can also purchase a backpack, so it sits well and nicely on your back while you go on with your everyday activities. 

Size and Weight

The dimensions of the FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator are 10.0 x 7.3 x 3.1 inches with a single battery weighing 5 lbs and 11.0 x 7.3 x 3.1 on a double battery weighing 6 lbs. 

Portability

The FreeStyle Comfort is lightweight and works for long hours on battery mode, making it one of the most portable among all oxygen concentrators. You can even maximize its portability with its carrying bag or an adjustable shoulder strap that you can purchase as an add-on. 

LCD screen

This unit has a wide LCD screen that displays its current mode, battery life, and more. The FreeStyle Comfort uses easy-to-read fonts, and the keypad glows in the dark for easier access despite differences in lighting. 

Controls

The FreeStyle Comfort features three (3) buttons on its interface: increase flow, decrease flow, and the power button. 

Alarms

The FreeStyle Comfort features an alarm system that informs the user if the unit requires action or if there is something wrong. These are the following alarm conditions for this model:

• System malfunction due to battery overheating
• System malfunction due to high temperature
• System malfunction due to high pressure
• No breath detected
• Low battery shutdown
• Warm-up
• Low concentration
• System malfunction due to flow rate
• Low battery warning
• Breathing rate exceeded
• System malfunction due to fan failure
• System malfunction due to low temperature
• System malfunction due to low pressure
• Start up
• Normal run screen
• Settings changed
• Plug in external power in the off condition
• Plug in external power in run condition
• Unplug external force in the off condition
• Unplug external power in run condition
• In standby mode
• Airplane mode on battery
• Airplane mode while plugged in

Battery

The CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort has two (2) battery options: standard (8-cell) and extended (16-cell). The 8-cell battery can last 8 hours on the lowest pulse flow setting, while the 16-cell battery lasts up to 16 hours on the lowest setting. 

Battery Life

Its battery life is FreeStyle Comfort's best feature against all portable oxygen concentrators. Of course, the duration differs depending on the battery you are using and the setting you are currently on. Here's a quick view of its battery power duration:

Pulse Dose Setting	Approx. 8-cell Battery Duration	Approx. 16-cell Battery Duration
1	8 hours	16 hours
2	4.25 hours	8.5 hours
3	3 hours	6 hours
4	2.25 hours	4.5 hours
5	2 hours	4 hours

Charging time

The recharge time of the FreeStyle Comfort single battery can last three and a half hours, while it may take up to 6 hours for a double battery to reach full charge. 

Power Sources

The CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort has three (3) power sources: AC, DC, and an external battery. You can use it wirelessly with a battery that can be upgraded to 8-cell and 16-cell. You can also use it safely while plugged into AC and DC. 

Power Consumption

When connected to the AC power source, the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort has a power consumption of 100 to 240 VAC and 50 to 50 Hz.

AC Power: 100–240 VAC, 50-60Hz

Flow Type

Due to its smaller size, the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort only offers a pulse dose flow setting. It adapts to the user's breathing pattern. It also constantly measures how much you breathe, and its oxygen delivery will be based on that.

Sieve Beds

The expected life span of the FreeStyle Comfort sieve beds is one year, mainly if the unit is not used as often. However, it may still differ depending on usage frequency.

Warm-Up Time

The warm-up time of the FreeStyle starts after the first breath detection, and it doesn't take too long to start. 

Oxygen Concentration

The CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort can deliver up to 90% of concentrated oxygen, given that the sieve beds are in excellent condition and nothing is disrupting the filter. 

Capacity

This portable oxygen concentrator can provide a pulse dose of up to 5 liters per minute. That is powerful for a small device like the FreeStyle Comfort. 

Sound Level

The sound level of the FreeStyle Comfort is at 43 decibels, equivalent to a running refrigerator. It is not disturbing, and you can bring it to places like a restaurant, churches, or libraries. 

Filters

The CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort offers gross particle filter accessories that you can purchase separately from the basic package. It traps the dust and other small debris so it wouldn't enter the portable oxygen concentrator.

Available Accessories

These are the accessories you can get for the FreeStyle Comfort:

Basic package

• FreeStyle Comfort unit
• Battery pack
• DC power cord
• AC input cable
• Carrying bag
• 3-year warranty

Add-on accessories

• Backpack
• 8-cell battery
• 16-cell battery
• Desktop battery charger
• Gross particle filter
• Shoulder strap
• Accessory bag

FAA-Approval

The FreeStyle Comfort is FAA approved, so you can safely travel with it on a plane either in or out of the country. Additionally, its weight makes it easier to bring along, making the bag even more ideal for traveling.

However, it is still best to reach out to your airline before the flight to check if there are specific steps you need to take to bring your portable oxygen concentrator with you. 

International Approvals

In 2020, the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort provided increased access to France and Germany's healthcare systems. This allowed the two most prominent centers of the European Union to provide better treatment for people needing high-quality oxygen therapy. 

Altitude

The highest altitude for the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort’s efficiency is 10,000 feet.

Warranty

The CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort comes with a 3-year warranty covering all workmanship defects and system failures. 

Manufacturer Country

CAIRE Inc. products are primarily manufactured in the USA, with their headquarters located in the city of Ball Ground, GA. However, they also have facilities in California, Europe, and other countries. CAIRE is a large company known for its oxygen therapy supplies and portable oxygen concentrators worldwide.

Price

CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort's current price at Sprylyfe is $2,995.00

Available CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort Discount

If you choose to purchase the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort at Sprylyfe, you can get a 25% discount. You can also call us at (855) 205-0510 to know if we have available packages to help you save more on your purchase. 

CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort Portable Concentrator Alternatives

Even though the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort is already considered one of the best portable oxygen concentrators, it wouldn't hurt to check out other models that beat its flaws. With that in mind, here are some of the products that may be an excellent alternative to the FreeStyle Comfort:

1. CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5

The SeQual Eclipse 5 is another excellent model from CAIRE. Unlike the FreeStyle Comfort, this device has two flow settings: continuous with 1-3 settings and pulse dose with up to 1-9 settings. It is also FAA approved and includes a car charger upon purchase, so you can quickly bring it whenever you go. 

It weighs 15 lbs, three times as much as the FreeStyle Comfort, but it has powerful flow settings that can last up to 5 hours on a pulse dose setting of 2. It comes with two-wheel carts so you can drag it around — don't worry because it is specially built to handle rough surfaces.

Read our editorial review of the CAIRE Sequal Eclipse 5 portable oxygen concentrator.

2. Respironics SimplyGo

The Respironics SimplyGo is another excellent alternative to the FreeStyle Comfort. This portable oxygen concentrator has both a pulse flow and a continuous flow setting that can provide the required amount of oxygen to your needs. It is also light, but not as light as the FreeStyle, with a weight of 10 lbs. 

Read our in-depth review of the Philips Respironics SimplyGo portable oxygen concentrator.

3. GCE Zen-O

The GCE Zen-O is among the best dual-flow machines in the world, featuring a continuous and a pulse dose setting. Similar to the FreeStyle Comfort, it features a large LCD screen that displays the output setting, current mode, and the remaining battery life of the unit.

It is also equipped with visual and audio alarms to maximize the user's safety in moments when the battery is low, the system malfunction, and no breath detection. 

Read our expert review of the GCE Zen-O portable oxygen concentrator.

4. Inogen One G5

Watch this video where we compare the Inogen One G5 vs CAIRE Freestyle Comfort side-by-side.

 

 

 

FAQs About CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort Portable Concentrator

To help you decide further, you may also want to check out the following frequently asked questions about the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator.

Where are CAIRE oxygen concentrators made?

The headquarters of CAIRE Inc. is situated in Atlanta, specifically in Ball Ground City, Georgia, USA. However, they also have other facilities all over the world, including the following:

• Anjo, Japan
• Chengdu, China
• Padova, Italy
• Langenfeld, Germany
• Wokingham, UK
• Buffalo, NY
• Pleasanton, CA
• San Diego, CA

What are the common problems with CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort?

The common problems people encounter with their CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort are:

• Automatic shutdown when overheating
• Alarms for no breath detection
• A general malfunction

The automatic shutdown is mainly caused by the battery heating and can be solved by allowing it to cool off first before using it again. Some units may experience failure for the general malfunction, but you can always call your equipment provider to help resolve the issue.

For breath detection, it is a common problem with pulse flow setting units as it can be disturbing for people with sleep apnea. Those with such conditions are advised to use continuous flow instead.

What are CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort's specs?

Here are the basic specs of the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort:

• Oxygen delivery: Pulse dose
• Flow setting: 5 settings
• Weight: 5 pounds
• Battery life: up to 8 hours
• Dimensions: 10.0 x 7.3 x 3.1 in (8 Cell Battery); 11.0 x 7.3 x 3.1 in (16 Cell Battery)
• Power source: AC and DC
• Noise level: 43 dB(A)

For a more detailed explanation of the specifications, check out the listed features above.

How do I check my FreeStyle Comfort hours?

To measure the hours of your CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort, turn on the unit first and enter the Test Mode. You can access this by pressing the following sequence of the buttons: “+ + - - + - + -“.

Enter this within 5 seconds, and then you will hear an alarm, and the display will change. The red border indicates that the unit is now in Test Mode.

Then, the five-digit shown next to the hourglass symbol will show the operating hours of the unit. To turn off the Test Mode, re-enter the sequence, and you're done. 

Is CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort A Great Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

The CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort review exceeds all expectations among all portable oxygen concentrators. There is a valid reason why this unit is a favorite among many POC users. Its features, durability, functionality, and overall design set it apart.

If you are searching for a sign to purchase your FreeStyle Comfort, this is it. You can check it out on Sprylyfe and get exclusive discounts.

You should also check our selection of portable oxygen concentrators to see if there's something else that caught your eyes, or call us at (800) 314-8225 if you need any assistance.